SPCAs financially accountable and transparent
Only 50 per cent of the 140 000 registered non-profit organisations in South Africa are compliant in terms of auditing. Neither the SPCAs nor the NSPCA falls into that category.
MBOMBELA – The public was once again assured that all 81 registered SPCAs in South Africa, including the Lowveld branch, as well as the National SPCA were audited annually.
This announcement was issued in the light of statements made by Mr Stiaan Klue of the South African Institute of Tax Practitioners on 702’s John Robbie Show on July 21. Klue revealed that only 50 per cent of the 140 000 registered non-profit organisations in South Africa was compliant in terms of auditing.
The SPCAs and NSPCA do not fall into that category.
“Even the smallest of SPCAs which are in dire financial straits are able to prove their worth by being financially audited. Financial audits are fundamental requirements,” said NSPCA’s Ms Christine Kuch. “To take this further, audited accounts for SPCAs can only be signed by members of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors or the South African Institute of Professional Accountants.”
She said the public was welcome to have copies of the audited accounts of individual SPCAs or the NSPCA upon request.
Questions inevitably arise regarding where the public’s money goes in the light of the revelations on the 702 programme. “Far too often people start up operations or organisations, raising funds and collecting donations. People need to ask where their money goes. Reputable charities are tired of hearing excuses why others who compete with us for funds in the public and corporate arenas cannot even adhere to the basic requirements,” Klue said.
He said the first question that needed to be answered when a donating is considered, was whether the organisation could produce audited accounts.
